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10 Best Places for Families to Live in South Africa

By Betsy Burlingame

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: In this article, we highlight some of the best places for international families to live in South Africa.

If you're dreaming about moving with your family to South Africa and haven't decided where to live, here are some of the best places for international families to live in South Africa.

Cape Town

Cape Town

Cape Town is an excellent place for international families to live, offering a wide range of activities and facilities for children and adults alike. The city is home to numerous museums such as the Two Oceans Aquarium and the Iziko South African Museum, both of which offer interactive exhibits and educational programs for children. For outdoor activities, families can visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, the Table Mountain National Park, or the Green Point Urban Park, which offer beautiful landscapes and recreational areas for picnics, hiking, and bird watching. Cape Town also boasts several athletic facilities that welcome families, including the Virgin Active Gym and the Sea Point Swimming Pool, both of which offer family-friendly amenities and classes. For children interested in sports, there are numerous clubs such as the Cape Town Spurs Football Club and the Western Province Cricket Club that offer youth programs. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and family-friendly amenities, Cape Town is a great place for international families to call home.

Johannesburg

Johannesburg is a great destination for international families, providing a plethora of activities and facilities for all ages. The city is rich in museums like the Apartheid Museum and the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, both of which offer engaging exhibits and children's activities that are both fun and educational. For outdoor enthusiasts, Johannesburg offers several parks and recreational areas such as the Johannesburg Botanical Garden and the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, perfect for picnics, nature walks, and bird watching. The city also houses several athletic facilities that are family-friendly, including the Planet Fitness Gym and the Ellis Park Swimming Pool, both of which provide amenities and classes suitable for families. For children who are sports enthusiasts, there are numerous clubs like the Bidvest Wits Football Club and the Gauteng Cricket Board that offer youth programs. With its rich history, diverse culture, and a wide range of family-friendly amenities, Johannesburg is an ideal place for international families to reside.

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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
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Pretoria

Pretoria is an ideal place for international families to settle, offering a variety of activities and facilities for all ages. The city is home to several museums such as the National Cultural History Museum and the Pretoria Art Museum, both of which offer interactive exhibits and children's activities that are both entertaining and educational. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Pretoria boasts several parks and recreational areas such as the Pretoria National Botanical Garden and the Rietvlei Nature Reserve, perfect for picnics, nature walks, and wildlife spotting. The city also features several athletic facilities that are family-friendly, including the Hillcrest Swimming Pool and the Virgin Active Gym, both of which provide amenities and classes suitable for families. For children who are sports enthusiasts, there are numerous clubs like the Blue Bulls Rugby Club and the Northerns Cricket Union that offer youth programs. With its rich history, diverse culture, and a wide range of family-friendly amenities, Pretoria is an ideal place for international families to reside.

Durban

Durban

Durban is an excellent place for international families to reside, offering a multitude of activities and facilities for all ages. The city is rich in museums like the Durban Natural Science Museum and the KwaMuhle Museum, both of which offer engaging exhibits and children's activities that are both fun and educational. For outdoor enthusiasts, Durban offers several parks and recreational areas such as the Durban Botanic Gardens and the Umgeni River Bird Park, perfect for picnics, nature walks, and bird watching. The city also houses several athletic facilities that are family-friendly, including the Kings Park Swimming Pool and the Virgin Active Gym, both of which provide amenities and classes suitable for families. For children who are sports enthusiasts, there are numerous clubs like the Durban Youth Soccer Club and the KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union that offer youth programs. With its rich history, diverse culture, and a wide range of family-friendly amenities, Durban is an ideal place for international families to reside.

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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.

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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
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Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is a good choice for international families looking to relocate, offering a wide array of activities and facilities for all ages. The town is home to several museums such as the Stellenbosch Toy and Miniature Museum and the Stellenbosch Village Museum, both of which offer interactive exhibits and children's activities that are both entertaining and educational. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Stellenbosch boasts several parks and recreational areas such as the Jan Marais Nature Reserve and the Stellenbosch Botanical Garden, perfect for picnics, nature walks, and plant spotting. The town also features several athletic facilities that are family-friendly, including the Stellenbosch University Swimming Pool and the Virgin Active Gym, both of which provide amenities and classes suitable for families. For children who are sports enthusiasts, there are numerous clubs like the Stellenbosch Rugby Academy and the Stellenbosch Cricket Club that offer youth programs. With its rich history, diverse culture, and a wide range of family-friendly amenities, Stellenbosch is an ideal place for international families to reside.

Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth, is a fantastic destination for international families, offering a plethora of activities and facilities for all ages. The city is home to several museums such as the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum and the South African Airforce Museum, both of which offer interactive exhibits and children's activities that are both educational and entertaining. For outdoor enthusiasts, Port Elizabeth boasts several parks and recreational areas such as the Kragga Kamma Game Park and the Settlers Park Nature Reserve, perfect for picnics, nature walks, and wildlife spotting. The city also houses several athletic facilities that are family-friendly, including the Newton Park Swimming Pool and the Profiles Health Club, both of which provide amenities and classes suitable for families. For children who are sports enthusiasts, there are numerous clubs like the Eastern Province Cricket Club and the Port Elizabeth Football Club that offer youth programs. With its rich history, diverse culture, and a wide range of family-friendly amenities, Port Elizabeth is an ideal place for international families to reside.

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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.

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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.

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Knysna

Knysna is a great place for international families to settle, offering a variety of activities and facilities for all ages. The town is home to the Knysna Elephant Park and the Knysna Museum, both of which offer interactive exhibits and children's activities that are both educational and entertaining. For those who love the outdoors, Knysna boasts several parks and recreational areas such as the Featherbed Nature Reserve and the Garden of Eden, perfect for picnics, nature walks, and wildlife spotting. The town also features several athletic facilities that are family-friendly, including the Knysna Sports School and the Knysna Health & Fitness Club, both of which provide amenities and classes suitable for families. For children who are sports enthusiasts, there are numerous clubs like the Knysna Football Club and the Knysna Yacht Club that offer youth programs. With its rich history, diverse culture, and a wide range of family-friendly amenities, Knysna is an ideal place for international families to reside.

Franschhoek

Franschhoek is a fantastic place for international families to live, offering a variety of activities and facilities for all ages. The town is home to the Huguenot Memorial Museum and the Franschhoek Motor Museum, both of which offer interactive exhibits and children's activities that are both educational and entertaining. For those who love the outdoors, Franschhoek boasts several parks and recreational areas such as the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve and the Franschhoek Pass, perfect for picnics, nature walks, and wildlife spotting. The town also features several athletic facilities that are family-friendly, including the Franschhoek Fitness Centre and the Franschhoek Swimming Pool, both of which provide amenities and classes suitable for families. For children who are sports enthusiasts, there are numerous clubs like the Franschhoek Rugby Club and the Franschhoek Cricket Club that offer youth programs. With its rich history, diverse culture, and a wide range of family-friendly amenities, Franschhoek is an ideal place for international families to reside.

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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Traveling MailboxTraveling Mailbox

Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
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Paarl

Paarl is an excellent choice for international families looking for a vibrant and welcoming community. The town is home to the Afrikaanse Taal Monument and Museum, which offers interactive exhibits and children's activities that are both educational and entertaining. For those who love the outdoors, Paarl boasts several parks and recreational areas such as the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve and the Limietberg Nature Reserve, perfect for picnics, nature walks, and wildlife spotting. The town also features several athletic facilities that are family-friendly, including the Paarl Gymnasium and the Paarl Swimming Pool, both of which provide amenities and classes suitable for families. For children who are sports enthusiasts, there are numerous clubs like the Paarl Cricket Club and the Paarl Rugby Club that offer youth programs. With its rich history, diverse culture, and a wide range of family-friendly amenities, Paarl is an ideal place for international families to reside.

Somerset West

Somerset West, is a fantastic place for international families to live, offering a variety of activities and facilities for all ages. The town is home to the Cheetah Outreach, a conservation center that offers educational programs and children's activities focused on wildlife preservation. For those who love the outdoors, Somerset West boasts several parks and recreational areas such as the Helderberg Nature Reserve and the Dick Dent Bird Sanctuary, perfect for picnics, nature walks, and bird watching. The town also features several athletic facilities that are family-friendly, including the Virgin Active Somerset West and the Blue Rock Waterski, both of which provide amenities and classes suitable for families. For children who are sports enthusiasts, there are numerous clubs like the Somerset West Cricket Club and the Helderberg Rugby Club that offer youth programs. With its rich history, diverse culture, and a wide range of family-friendly amenities, Somerset West is an ideal place for international families to reside.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

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